I PETER CHAPTER 5:10

My previous post reflected a new revelation - "suffering is essential to the Christian experience". I guess I did know this experientially for many years, but it has now hammered home. Today, I read this verse and my heart warmed as I understood God's confirmation of the truth that I gleaned yesterday.

1 Peter Chapter 5:10, "But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.".

This verse clearly reflects the role of suffering in our lives. Making us perfect it says, establishing us, strengthening us and settling us. I would have given anything to be established and strong and settled. But did you know that there was a cost involved? The price we pay is in suffering.

Now it does make sense. For example, do you know an alchoholic? If you never knew an alchoholic, how would you empathise with him or her or with those around him or her. You may have an inkling, but you will never know the fullest extent of the pain he or she is inflicting on him or herself, but also how much more his/her actions, inflict pain on his or her family (who are innocent victims). If the alchoholism produces violence, physical, emotional abuse and shame, the cost is born by the family of the alchoholic. The impact of the drinking may not even dawn upon the alchoholic as he/she wanders through life in a stupor. Your compassion will only be stirred, if you have directly been affected by an alchoholic and it is easier for you to reach out to other hurting victims of this abuse.

How about someone enduring a terminal illness. You would never understand the effect on all involved if you were not affected. When your loved one is sick and helpless, we are so stirred. I remember when my sister was dying of cancer, I cried many days, prayed unendingly and even said to her "I would trade places with you in a heartbeat". I could hardly bear to think of her suffering. I was so stirred with compassion for her and her family. I felt helpless that I was a long way away, and could not be there to help my sisters, niece and my mother, who were caring for her. When she went home to be with the Lord, I was ready to help in the fight against this disease. I had never given it a second thought before this time. It took my sister's pain and suffering and my own, to change my life and make me advance in my Christian walk.

As I look back at the many, many incidents in my life, I can now see a pattern emerge. One day, several years ago, when I was so absorbed in the love for my Jesus, I said to Him, "I will do anything for You. Nothing will I withhold, not my family, my husband, my children, and definitely no material thing". I was puzzled when I almost immediately went through a very trying, hateful situation. In fact, it was like a huge slap in the face. At the time, I was'nt even sure whether my family or myself could ever recover. My own child was affected. We still live with the pain of that incident, but I have rebounded even more in my love for the Lord. He gave me my children, and He has the responsibility to see them through. I am trusting Him. Slowly however, I learnt to weigh my words, and not utter them lightly to the Lord. I not only was more discerning, but when I prayed in this fashion, I was more prepared for what could follow. I found that my faith grew deeper, and I had the strength to overcome. I learnt to stretch my faith, no matter how horrific the circumstances. It meant giving the Lord complete control and trusting that He will bring to completion, to perfection the work that He has started, while I continue to trust Him even while my loved one or my child was suffering or in sin.

Do you love the Lord? Be prepared for many "Job" experiences. He is the refining fire - the burning off of the impurities is painful, but the end result will be "pure gold" as you shine in His presence for all eternity.

1 Peter, Chapter 4, verse 1

Today, it dawned on me, the implication of this verse. My love for the Lord is no secret, but I marvel at the learning process and how every now and then, you can have a new revelation. Well, today I had another one of those "revelation" moments that brought the tears freely flowing. (This happens all the time in the presence of my Saviour. I used to be embarassed before, especially in church when I was worshipping. Surreptiously, I would wipe my tears away, but not any more - I am not going to be ashamed of those hot tears that course down my face - they are just an expression of my undying gratitude to my Saviour, for ALL He has done for me).

1 Peter, Chapter 4:1 " Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; "

Ah! now I get it. Being born again, does not take away suffering. In fact, it may even heighten it. It is in the process of putting sinful desires to death, that we suffer, but when we come out in victory on the other side, sin does not have power over that area of our lives anymore. In the process, we partake in "Christ's sufferings" and become more like Him. Suffering builds character.

I reflect today on my own abilities. I know I have patience, but I also know I have been through some heart breaking, hurting experiences which has brought about this end result.

Then there is forgiveness. I know I have a great ability to forgive. I don't think I am totally there yet, but I have come a long way. I actually thought I had a problem at first, I totally forgot painful events and when I was reminded, I just could not remember. It felt strange, but now, I just feel thankful, and believe that I have partnered with Christ, and He has helped me in this area. Being forgiving is not a totally done issue, and there are times when, I have to work on forgiving, but I think I find it easier to forgive as time goes on.

Hospitality, now that is something that needs a lot of work on my part. I know I am withdrawn. I am not good at making friends. I have actually isolated myself because I am afraid of opening up my life to others. I don't want others to see my pain, even though a lot of it is the result of the actions of others. I am afraid that they will judge me on the basis of what they hear. My excuses for being inhospitable is my "busy-ness". I have five kids. I have to work. There are too many demands on my life that I have to fulfill. I don't want to gossip. I am afraid to get involved, because I don't want to be hurt anymore. Today, I understand, that to overcome would cause me suffering. As I tear down these walls of excuses, I will be making myself more vulnerable, but it will produce in me more character.

Embrace suffering, and inspite of it be joyful, because it will produce Godly character. To "cease from sin, is to suffer in the flesh". Now how many of us would love to cease from sin. I hope you too get this revelation and count your "suffering as joy".

God Bless and have a super day!!